Maui County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Maui County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sister-city relationship with Laoag, Philippines
Maui County's newest sister city could bring cultural exchanges, teacher and youth programs, agricultural partnerships, and trade opportunities. Roughly 47,000 Maui residents claim Filipino ancestry, most with Ilocos-region roots, and members proposed a working group to make the relationship tangible.
Exceptional Trees Designation
The committee endorsed a plan action to designate historic or culturally significant trees as exceptional trees, and noted a real-world snarl: the county arborist moved to Public Works while the Arborist Committee sits under Parks and Recreation.
Public hearing notice publication requirements
Bill 85 would let the county publish hearing notices in any suitable countywide publication instead of requiring a twice-weekly newspaper — saving public money and reaching more readers.
Renewable energy grants cut
The committee zeroed out a $50,000 renewable energy grant line, with members arguing the amount is too small to matter. Johnson and Rawlins-Fernandez floated a bigger idea: a zero-interest loan program for community renewable energy projects under the climate plan.
EV Charging Fees
Bill 64 would establish a fee for using county-owned electric vehicle charging stations to cover the cost of electricity.
Revolving funds with zero balances
Several revolving funds — economic development/cultural programs, Hawaiian cultural restoration, landscape beautification, and county park special — show $0 balances. Members discussed whether to keep, combine, or sunset them.
Solid Waste, Fuel Tax, and EV Charging Fee Measures
Bill 62 would expand uses of the Solid Waste Management Fund for recycling and landfill diversion; Resolution 26-63 would adopt fuel tax rates effective July 1, 2026; Bill 64 would set fees at county-owned EV charging stations.
Limited meeting on Kahoʻolawe under HRS 92-3.1(a)
To visit Kahoʻolawe, the committee must close the meeting to the public under Hawaii's Sunshine Law. Some testifiers objected to the closure, saying the meeting should be public and descendants should be invited.